O'Malley wins in final city councilor race

Former MassEquality political director is new city councilor in District 6.

Matt O'Malley won the seat of District 6 city councilor in a Nov. 16 election. The Roslindale native -- and longtime LGBT supporter -- trounced opponent Jim Hennigan, taking 60 percent of the vote.

O'Malley will fill the seat vacated by City Councilor John Tobin, who is stepping down after nine years in the position.

The candidate said that, although not gay himself, he's always been a "stalwart supporter" of the LGBT community, and plans to continue his involvement in his new position. "I was a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance when I was in high school; I had the dubious honor of being the first straight Political Director of MassEquality, and it was just a great opportunity," he told Bay Windows in July. "I think that the LGBT civil rights movement is the civil rights movement of my generation."

Ryan Brown, MassEquality's Manager of Field Operations, remembered working directly with O'Malley -- the group's former Political Director -- to secure marriage equality in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. "Matt was here heading up the political and fieldwork during that time and he had a very strong role in the Vermont and New Hampshire and Maine races," Brown said. "Given his experience both here at MassEquality and at other political worlds, he's always been a strong supporter for LGBT equality.

"When he ran for City Council when he was in his early 20's, I believe he actually came out in support of marriage equality then, even though of course he didn't have to as a City Councilor. He has always been a vocal supporter and champion for LGBT equality in Massachusetts."

O'Malley said that he believes his history of working with the LGBT community will contribute to his work as City Councilor. "It was just a great experience and one that I really think has prepared me well to serve this district," he said. "I've made a career of bringing people together. I was the white campaign manager of the first person of color [Andrea Cabrall] elected sheriff in Suffolk County. On the heels of that, I was the first straight guy running the political department and a lot of the field aspects with my colleagues at MassEquality. I think you need someone who can really represent all communities."

"We're very happy for Matt," said Kara Suffredini, Executive Director of MassEquality. "As you know, he was formerly the political director for MassEquality. We know that there are a lot of supporters of LGBT equality on the council, but Matt is surely one of our strongest allies now on the Boston City Council and we look forward to working with him."

Bay Windows co-publishers Sue O'Connell and Jeff Coakley offered O'Malley their endorsement earlier this month.